The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has given an assurance that the Komenda Sugar Factory will become operational by the end of next year.
She said a land had been acquired to prepare for the sugarcane plantation.
Mrs Ofosu-Adjare added that an interim management committee (IMC) had been inaugurated to conduct a comprehensive technical assessment of the factory and provide clear recommendations for its operationalisation.
“We have acquired land for the plantation of sugarcane in the Komenda area.
We do not need to teach anyone how to farm sugarcane; those who live in this enclave already know how to.
When we engaged the farmers, they were ready, willing and happy.
We hope to operationalise the Komenda Sugar Factory by the end of 2026,” she said.
She made this known when the Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, visited the ministry in Accra last Thursday.
Reforms
Mrs Ofosu-Adjare emphasised that recent reforms were designed to improve the quality and transparency of regulatory administration, creating a predictable environment conducive to private sector development and making Ghana the most business-friendly country in Africa.
“People have come to Ghana and left out of frustration — sometimes just obtaining a registration certificate was enough to drive them away.
With these reforms, we are creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive,” she said.
She said the government had introduced Ghana’s Be Ready self-assessment reports, developed an online reform management and progress-tracking system, and created an interactive portal for public-private consultations.
The Trade Minister said the Business Regulatory Reform Bill is now being finalised for the Attorney-General’s Office, a move that will require agencies to provide key information within a defined time frame, strengthening compliance and streamlining processes.
Under the Business Regulatory Reform Units, she said agencies could facilitate land acquisition documents and company registration documents, though this was previously backed by practice rather than law.
“Once the Business Regulatory Act is in place, agencies will be required by law to provide specific information within a set time frame, which will ensure compliance and further strengthen the system,” she said.
She said another critical reform under review was the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act.
Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said that the minimum capital requirement had limited medium-scale companies capable of generating hundreds of jobs.
“Removing this requirement will attract more investment,” she said.
Industrial development
Ms Ofosu-Adjare, highlighting industrial development plans, revealed ambitious targets for the garment sector.
The Dignity DRT garment factory currently employs around 6,000 people, 60 per cent of whom are women, offering supportive work conditions, including childcare facilities.
In 2026, she said the government would support the establishment of three additional garment factories in the Central, Bono East and Eastern regions, which would be expected to create 27,000 jobs and operate 24 hours to maximise productivity.
“Contracts have already been secured, ensuring demand-driven production, ensuring the factories are set up according to demand,” she added.
Processing plants
The Trade and Industry Minister said the government would fully operationalise seven agro-processing plants in the Northern, Central, North East, and Western North regions.
“These facilities will process value chains, including yam, fish, poultry, cashew, rice, shea butter and palm kernel, ensuring farmers have guaranteed off-takers for their raw materials.
Two cashew processing plants would be financed by EXIM Bank in Techiman and North Jaman (Sampa) to add value locally, create jobs for the benefit of surrounding communities, instead of exporting raw materials without local impact.
Additionally, Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said the government would also bring strategic investors to partner state-owned enterprises such as Volta Star, Northern Star, Zuarungu Meat Factory and the Pwalugu Tomato factories in 2026 to enhance efficiency and productivity.
She gave an assurance that key policy documents, including those for garment and textiles, pharmaceuticals, agribusiness and manufacturing, were ready and awaiting approval from the Minister of Finance.
“Once approved, Ghana will be ready to attract significant investment. Investors are willing to invest because of the predictability and incentives provided by your leadership,” Mrs Ofosu-Adjare stated.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
